A shopkeeper who caused three deaths by racing his brother along a motorway at speeds reaching at least 110mph was jailed for five years four months today. Sabbir Sedoo, 28, was told by a judge that he had driven ‘like an idiot’ for 29 miles along the M5 from Birmingham to North Gloucestershire, where the triple death crash occurred.

Sabbir Sedoo has been jailed for five years

Our court reporter has provided this update.

“Sedoo has been jailed for five years and four months. He has also been banned from driving for the same period of time. The Judge said he drove ‘like an idiot’ for 29 miles. He said his starting point for sentence was 10 years because of the aggravating features of the offences - but he reduced that to eight years to reflect Sedoo’s mitigation and remorse.

“He allowed one third discount from that because Sedoo had pleaded guilty at the first opportunity, he said.

“Sedoo waved to family and friends as he went down the dock.”

Full story to follow shortly

Sabbir Sedoo

11:32

Sentencing has been adjourned

The prosecution and defence cases have now been closed and the judge has adjourned until midday when he will pass sentence. He has allowed Sedoo to go into the corridor outside court during the adjournment so he can say a final farewell to friends and family.

11:30

Our court reporter has painted a picture of the emotional scenes at court today

“He hugged his tearful mum for a long time outside the court door before coming in. His parents are sitting just behind the dock. There are also about 20 members of his family and members of the community in public gallery. He is dressed in dark padded coat, a white, full length robe, white trainers and black-framed spectacles.

“The court heard emotional victim statements from the mothers of two of the victims. The court also heard the two cars were speeding at around 110mph for 29 miles of the M5 from junction 1 to junction 8.

“The Mercedes driven by the defendant’s brother smashed into a lorry which had stopped in a centre lane with hazard lights on to protect the scene of an accident that had already occurred when a car smashed into the central reservation.”

Gloucester Crown Court

11:23

Sentencing is now underway

11:06

M5 fatal crash: Man admits causing death of brother and two 'great friends' by 'racing with them on motorway'

Sabbir Sedoo was understandably devastated by the outcome of the crash. “I was heartbroken when I realised they were all dead apart from me.”